Important Message to Students

March 11, 2020 (8:30 PM)

As we continue to actively monitor the evolving global epidemic associated with the
coronavirus (COVID-19), your health is our number one priority. While there are no
confirmed cases in our area, two cases were confirmed in Michigan last evening and
the Governor has declared a state of emergency. In this rapidly changing environment
there are several important updates to share with you.

Beginning Monday, March 16, all face-to-face classes at all Ferris State University
campus locations, including Kendall College of Art and Design, are being suspended
and replaced with a remote learning delivery method. Initially this will continue
through March 27 and may be extended if necessary. All campuses will remain open during
this period. Your academic department, academic advisor or faculty instructor will
be in contact with you to explain how education will occur in your course during this
period. If your course is transitioned to an online format and you do not have Internet
access, or do not have access to a computer, we will work to assist you. All courses
currently delivered online will continue as scheduled.

Along with the suspension of face-to-face classes, if you live in a residence hall
in Big Rapids, we strongly encourage you to remain home during this time. However,
residence halls and a condensed dining capability will be open after spring break
if needed. If you are a student employee and were away during spring break, it is
not necessary that you return to your campus employment at this time. If this causes
a financial hardship for you, we will assist you. Please contact the Financial Aid
office for assistance at (231) 591-2100.

All University-sponsored, international travel (including Canada) has been suspended
until further notice. University-sponsored travel throughout the United States will
occur only on a necessary and essential basis. We strongly encourage you to avoid personal travel to areas with documented COVID-19 cases.

To lessen the chance of introducing or spreading COVID-19, all University events of
more than 100 attendees will be postponed or canceled. Where possible, we are encouraging
organizers to conduct events through live streaming or other technologies.

While there are no campus-associated cases of COVID-19, we are being proactive in
an effort to prevent the spread of illness on our campus. The disruptions to our normal,
everyday operations will cause some challenges, but I believe the risk of not doing
these actions far outweighs the temporary inconveniences this may cause. Your health
and safety are always our top priority.

We continue to ask everyone to follow the CDC recommendations for preventive actions:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, especially after
going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household
cleaning spray or wipe.